Head nurses can work in any variety of medical facilities such as hospitals, treatment centers or nursing homes. In general, they work in larger facilities where coordination of nursing teams is needed. Head nurses carry out the same functions as any other nurse, but they are in a managerial position and often are responsible for whole sections of facilities as well as communication with upper management and doctors.

Management

Head nurses are in charge of teams of nurses or divisions of health care facilities. For example, a head nurse might be in charge of all nursing in the emergency room. Head nurses are responsible for the performance of their teams, meaning they have to monitor the nurses who work under them and ensure they are fulfilling all their job requirements. The head nurse must coordinate nursing care by allocating resources where they are needed, whether in the form of nurses, medication, doctors or equipment. Head nurses need to make sure all the patients for whom they are responsible have needs met and receive appropriate attention.

Administrative

Head nurses are in charge of organizing and carrying out a variety of administrative work. They have to organize, compile and store all the notes on patients taken by their nursing team. Often, they need to provide doctors with the relevant paperwork and information on the patients they are treating. Head nurses can also help refer patients’ files to billing and payment departments, or process payment information on their own. Computer proficiency is often needed, along with a vast understanding of medical terminology to apply proper shorthand or file papers correctly. Administrative work also includes keeping records on facility resources.

Communication

Head nurses need to keep in touch and relay information to a variety of parties. First, they issue reports to upper management of the facility. They also need to communicate and give specific instructions to specialty doctors when they are needed. Head nurses typically have a good deal of contact with outside parties. For example, they might need to make contact with other facilities if they don't have enough room for new admissions, or if patients need specialized care. They are often in charge of ordering products from suppliers. Head nurses also spend time communicating with patients and their families about treatment options.

Hiring and Training

Head nurses are usually also in charge of hiring, screening potential employees, looking over resumes, conducting interviews and making hiring decisions. After this, they are in charge of training the new hires. Head nurses can order or suggest continuing education or remedial training and classes for their staff when needed. Sometimes they give talks and teach classes within the facility or elsewhere. Head nurses are in charge of maintaining working relationships with their staffs, which includes scheduling, pay and conflict resolution where necessary.

About the Author

Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart."